* denotes 2023 Innovation Award Winner
Non-composite, polymer-free densified carbon nanotube (DCN) sheet as extreme cold weather resistant gasket material
A new advanced gasket material called densified carbon nanotube (DCN) sheet that does not become brittle and does not cause seal failure in extreme cold weather (-50°F) has been developed without the need of any polymer materials.A new class of smart responsive materials developed for self-healing anti-corrosion coatings in extreme environments.
A2O has created a smart responsive coating system that solves corrosion-related asset failure and deterioration. Compared to traditional coatings, our materials possess unprecedented wet adhesion to metal. These materials create extended performance and protection through the ability to self-heal or repair themselves from damage and constantly regenerate adhesion.Functional Inks for Additive Manufacturing of Electronics
We invented an ink system that can enable manufacturers to utilize new printing techniques for producing electronic components with finer resolution (10x better than conventional method). The new inks are tunable with a wide range of materials and properties, which can be tailored for different printing methods and applications.A fast-learning and low-cost humanoid robot that acts as workforce multiplier
Aivot's end-to-end solution combines the latest AI and robotics technologies into an integrated platform that can perform a variety of open-ended tasks and be operated by customers. As a “no-code” platform, Aivot comes preloaded with an extensive skills library that helps it adapt quickly to new settings.Blockchain and AI/ML Enabled 6G network for Swarm of UAVs
Bryka Skystocks LLC proposes 6G networks capable of incorporating autonomous services to Swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the US Navy. It will integrate Blockchain and AI/ML to improve communication, coordination, Autonomy, scalability, and navigation to establish an ultra-reliable, Intelligent, and Secure intra-UAV network on Battlefield.Naval Alloys With Reduced Sensitization
Development of Naval aluminum based light-weight alloys with reduced corrosion sensitization potential through the use of elements that block grain boundary corrosion. This will enable lower manufacturing and maintenance costs and extend the life of Naval platforms.Additive Manufacturing with Dynamic Laser Beam Shaping based on Coherent Beam Combining
Increased productivity additive manufacturing of high strength complex structural shapes out of steel, iron-, nickel-, tungsten- and titanium-based alloys and other refractory materials and alloys (nickel aluminum bronze, copper nickel, high strength steels, titanium CP & 6-4, stainless steels, superalloys, such as IN718, TiAl, FeAl).Additively Manufactured Continuous Fiber C/C and Ceramic Matrix Composite (C/SiC, SiC/SiC) Preforms for Hypersonic Applications
Creation of hypersonic CMC composite preforms utilizing automated robotic additive manufacturing platform and continuous fiber reinforcement. During printing, the fibers are wetted, steered, and cured into novel geometries at near net shape, the preform composite is then ready for downstream densification processing.A Defect Measurement Tool to Improve Aircraft Sustainment and Decrease Downtime
Mature and transition a Defect Measurement Tool (DMT) to make order of magnitude reductions in the time required for Outer Mold Line (OML) inspections of low observable (LO) aircraft.Hybrid Additive System For Ceramic Matrix Composites
The system is an additive tool designed to couple to a CNC machine from any manufacturer. The System uses feedstock from the ceramic injection industry. In conjunction provides the capability to feed fiber for composites. Providing a machine with additive, subtractive, and composite manufacturing in one.Physical Identifiers for 21st Century Fleet Fabrication and Sustainment
We propose the use of a radically new item-level fingerprint to establish digital identity for critical parts in the Navy’s Fleet Fabrication and Sustainment enterprise. Our Dendritic Identifier technology will enable the insights needed to optimize production, streamline logistics, and provide assurance with minimal cost and training burden.Onshoring of Custom Chip Carriers for DOD Applications
This project will be for a prototype multi-material printer for custom ceramic chip carriers for DOD applications to further strengthen the Defense Industrial Base.Mountain House, CA
Cyclo.Cloud: Development of Fish Scale Waste-Derived Materials for Adsorbance of Aquatic Pollutants
Cyclo.Cloud is a heavy metal biosorbent from upcycled Oreochromis niloticus fish scale waste. It reached 82% heavy metal removal. Plant growth improved 179% and germination 60%. At $0.23/kg to treat 1000L of wastewater to EPA drinking water standards, Cyclo.Cloud combats heavy metal contamination and reclaims resources from waste.Riverdale, NY
cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11273
Recycling of Asphalt Pavements Using Environmentally Benign Recycling Agents
This technology uses environmentally friendly oils to increase the amount of old asphalt pavements that can recycled into new asphalt pavements.FLX BOT for Manufacturing Maintenance
The FLX BOT is a 1” diameter, handheld, collaborative snake-like robot that a maintenance technician can use with minimal training to maintain critical equipment in manufacturing plants. Interchangeable end effectors include 360 degree 3D cameras, grippers, leak detectors, etc. to help perform the maintenance required more efficiently and safely.Convolution HiDeNN-AI for Integrating Multiscale Topological Optimization with Additive Manufacturing
Convolution HiDeNN-AI is a new machine learning technology that integrates robust physics-based models with convolution and deep neural network (DeNN) that are applied at hierarchical scales of interest. The goal is to accelerate the design optimization process with a focus on additive manufacturing.Extraction of Collagen from Eggshell Membrane by Enzymatic Hydrolysis Reaction
A new way to extract collagen and organic calcium from eggshell waste using an acid-reductant-enzyme hydrolysis reaction was proposed, reducing environmental pollution.Additive Hypersonic Fabrication
Beacon Industries proposes manufacturing of the fast production of Cf/SiC material using 3D printing CMC method for US Navy application. The method enables the rapid manufacture of high-strength, lightweight, and durable parts with excellent thermal and mechanical properties.Durable Ni-based binary electrodes for alkaline water electrolysis
Rational design of durable Ni-based binary electrodes for the Industrially Relevant Dynamic Operation of Alkaline Water ElectrolyzersDiscrete Mult-walled Carbon nanotube HIV Therapy Technology
Molecular Rebar Design (MRD) has developed Medical Grade Molecular Rebar (MGMR), a customizable drug delivery device comprising of discrete, functionalized, multi-walled carbon nanotubes that can deliver a wide array of therapeutic molecules to specific therapeutic targets as well as positively impact cell growth.Silane-modified Molecular Rebar® for EV Tires
Chemically altered carbon nanotubes greatly improve the mileage lifetime and energy efficiency of tires for electric vehicles thereby reducing vehicle operating costs. These improvements will lessen discarded tires, save energy, and improve electric vehicle adoption rates for consumers and fleet owner/operators.Multi-axis 3D printing
Different printheads in orthogonal directions extrude materials in different directions, providing the ability to customize the properties of the 3D structure by controlling the deposition orientation and material at a prescribed design segment.Machine Learning Enabled Nondestructive Monitoring Device for Surface Adhesives and Coatings
Optowares’ technology uses advanced spectroscopy techniques combined with machine learning in a miniaturized format to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze coatings and adhesives critical to acoustic coatings on submarines. The risk associated with acoustic coating delamination is high, and this technology helps mitigate it and ensure high quality coatings.Uncooled Shortwave Imagers for Hypersonic Targeting
An uncooled infrared imager that allows a hypersonic weapons/interceptors to image a target at long range while remaining stealthy even in GPS denied environments. Shortwave infrared can image through hot windows found on hypersonic weapons.Creating Part Authentication Ecosystem from the Ground Up
Separating counterfeit from authentic parts is a QA process, and QA processes require buy-in from fabricators, inspectors, and users. Buy-in starts with a low-barrier, easy-to-use process. Here, we describe existing acoustical sensors, advanced processing, and linkage to a blockchain-protected database. A challenge is simplifying the go-to-market strategy.Environmentally friendly and efficient smart garments and heated textiles
Soliyarn is revolutionizing the smart wearables industry by leveraging Chemical Vapor Deposition technology to create textiles with unprecedented heating, sensing, and liquid repellent functionality. Ultrathin polymers transform ordinary fabric into highly durable functional textiles without altering garment feel, breathability, comfort, or performance without the environmental cost of textile production.Double-Double Composite Laminates for Versatile Manufacturing
Stanford researchers led by Stephen Tsai are advancing a new, much simplified design approach for composite laminates – termed "double-double" – that can replace conventional laminates for lighter, tougher, and lower cost airplane structures among other uses.High-density, direct photo-patterning of stretchable electronic polymers
Dr. Zhenan Bao's lab has developed a new process for direct photo-patterning of electronic polymers that improves device density of elastic circuits over 100x. It combines crosslinked polymer systems with a monolithic optical microlithographic process that directly micropatterns a set of elastic electronic materials by sequential ultraviolet light-triggered solubility modulation.Preparation of chitin nanocrystals from crustacean biomass
A simple, inexpensive, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for creating chitin Nanocrystals from crustacean shells. Typically, chitin must be first extracted from biomass, like crustacean shells, and then can be converted to other forms like chitin nanocrystals. This technology directly produces chitin nanocrystals from biomass.Personalized Hair-mimicking Fibers: Build Your Own Hair Camouflage
A highly customizable and easy-to-apply hair-mimicking fiber is developed as a concealing strategy to hide bald spots or thinning hairs. Customers can develop their own formula of hair camouflage at home, to match their own hair texture and colors and to improve the visual appearance of hair.Data storage using peptides
This is a new method for data storage, by storing data with peptides and retrieving the stored data using tandem mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing. This method can allow denser and more durable data storage than the existing methods.Real-time and passive acoustic structural monitoring of ships and components
We propose a system for real-time structural health monitoring of naval ships and engines using unique polymer-based ultrasound sensors (polyCMUTs). The sensor network operates in passive mode, complemented by an intelligent signal processing layer, to detect acoustic emission in the structure and the response to ambient vibrations.Non-toxic, Lactase Enzyme-based Bacterial and Bio-film Control
Decreasing or limiting the expression of virulence factors could be a powerful tool to combat costly plant, animal and human pathogens. Lactonase enzymes are being explored as a novel way to inhibit expression of virulence factors and reduce the pathogenicity of bacteria and biofilm formation.Compostable polyester plastics
Using a simple manufacturing method for plastics based on extrusion, the potential biodegradability of polyester plastics is improved to make readily compostable plastics. This technology employs a straightforward addition of readily available salicylic acid to polyesters to improve biodegradability.Electroadhesive Clutches
Low-cost, lightweight, and easy-to-fabricate fracture mechanics-based ionoelastomer electroadhesive clutch that modulates stiffness in soft and flexible systems, such as wearable applications, while consuming little power.Multistable elastic pixels (MEPs) for reversible programming of optical properties
Two-dimensional materials patterned with colloidal pixels that can be actuated by external forces (such as electromagnetic fields) for stable switching of optical properties.Industrial Bioplastics for a Circular Carbon Economy
ZILA BioWorks has developed a patented bio-epoxy resin used in products such as composites, coatings, and adhesives. We have identified clear steps to a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based epoxies. ZILA formulates our bio-resin systems so manufacturers can adopt without any retooling.